Destinations

We set out to get under the skin of the 130 destinations that we visit, from Egypt to Jamaica and from Bolivia to Japan. Combining the must-sees with the who-knews, we provide authentic travel experiences across the globe.

Destinations

Africa

Discover the vast, diverse continent that is Africa. Navigate through aromatic medinas, drive across stretching golden plains in search of the Big Five and discover tribal cultures. We challenge you not to fall in love.

Asia

Asia offers a heady mix of diverse traditions, religions, cuisine and architecture. Iconic monuments from the Great Wall of China to the Taj Mahal, and scenery from Indonesian rice paddies to the staggering Himalaya, give a flavour of its variety.

Australasia

Australasia is a region of vibrant colour, staggering landscapes and contrasting cultures. Compact yet varied, New Zealand is all about the great outdoors. It's best explored on foot, where you'll cover lakes and mountains, coasts and glaciers.

Europe

From the windswept Atlantic coast to the vast taiga forests in the east, and from the polar tundra to the sun-kissed Mediterranean, Europe's variety is second to none. The diversity of its cuisine, culture and climate mirrors that of its landscape.

Middle East

The Middle East is a heady concoction of welcoming people, ancient sites, stunning desert scenery and delicious food. Uncover history that spans millenia in colossal archaeological sites and sleep under starlit skies in the Arabian desert.

North America

North America is home to dynamic cities, rich cultural diversity and inspiring National Parks. From the canyons and deserts of the USA to Canada's Rocky Mountains and Alaska's wildlife, North America's charms are hard to resist.

Central America

The thin strip of land connecting North and South America contains eight countries packed with fascinating Mayan history, colourful modern cultures and pristine beaches. Here the rainforests, cloud forests and barrier reef bustle with biodiversity.

Caribbean

Fields of sugar cane, rum distilleries, freshly-cooked fish and jerk chicken and a laid-back attitude to life - there's lots to love about Caribbean holidays. And that's without even mentioning the glittering azure waters and miles of sandy beaches.

South America

South America is a continent of superlatives. Explore the world's largest rainforest and marvel at its highest waterfall. Walk its longest mountain range and discover its highest capital city. All washed down with hearty food and world-class wines.

Experiences

Adventure doesn't have to take you out of your comfort zone; from activities like zip-wiring in Costa Rica, to tasting local dishes in Italy and staying with local families in Peru, there's a little adventure to be found on all our travels.

Why book this trip?

Explore the rugged limestone landscapes of the Plateau de Vaucluse between Mont Ventoux and the Luberon on this self-guided walking holiday. Enjoy walks through fields of lavender, pretty villages and along craggy gorges. Taste the fresh local produce and wines of Provence.

Fontaine - de-Vaucluse - Attractive village built around a spring at the foot of the Vaucluse Mountains

Gordes - Historic hill-top village with spectacular views

Senanque Abbey - Visit the Cistercian monks

Included meals

Breakfast: 6

Dinner: 3

Trip staff

None

Transport

None

i

Accommodation

6 nights standard hotel

i

Walking grade:

Easy To Moderate

i

Self-Guided Walking in Provence

View Map

Itinerary

Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.

Tonight's hospitable farmhouse accommodation is just a few kilometres outside Lagnes, the capital of Provence. If you have time, you may choose to go on a short circular walk to the small village of Les Cabrières d'Avignon, before enjoying a dinner of traditional local cuisine back at your guesthouse.

This holiday includes a private taxi transfer from Cavaillon station to your hotel near Lagnes (approximately 10 km).

You can expect today's almost 10 kilometre walk to take approximately two and a half to three hours.

Accommodation:

Le Mas due Grand Jonquier (or similar)

Grade:
Standard Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Dinner

Day 2 - Walk to La Roque sur Pernes via Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

Today's route takes you through the renowned Fontaine-de-Vaucluse - home to one of the largest springs in the world which is the source of the spectacular emerald-coloured Sorgue River. No one actually knows how far underground the spring originates and, in the 1950s, a submersible could not find the bottom. Since then, a probe has made it to a sandy bed at a depth of 308 metres, but it is thought that the source of the spring lies even deeper.

Walking on to La Roque sur Pernes, your accommodation for the next two nights is in a charming guesthouse in a spectacular and peaceful setting. Here, you can look forward to enjoying exceptional provençal cuisine during your included dinners.

You can expect today's 11.5 kilometre walk to take approximately five hours.

Accommodation:

Domaine de la Grange Neuve (or similar)

Grade:
Standard Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3 - Circular walk through Le Beaucet and Venasque

On today's walk, you will pass through the village of Le Beaucet, set against a steep rock face. You'll then continue on to the impressive village of Venasque, towering high above the valley before passing a deep gorge and strolling through tranquil landscapes. Passing by the odd house and vineyard, enjoy the aromas of Provence on your way back to your guesthouse.

You can expect today's 14 kilometre walk to take approximately five and a half hours.

Accommodation:

Domaine de la Grange Neuve (or similar)

Grade:
Standard Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4 - Walk to Gordes via Senanque Abbey

Today, you traverse quiet surroundings on your way up to Rochers Rouges. At the top, you can look forward to panoramic views of the Dentelles de Montmirail, Mont Ventoux and the Rhone Valley. Making your way back down to Senanque Abbey, you pass through evergreen holm oak woods dotted with rocky outcroppings. After visiting the abbey that is so famous for its lavender fields (in bloom June through to September) and home-grown produce, you continue on to the famous village of Gordes. Dominated by its church and castle, Gordes is regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Looking out over the village from your hotel, you may well agree.

You can expect today's 11.5 kilometre walk to take approximately five hours.

Accommodation:

Le Mas des Romarins (or similar)

Grade:
Standard Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - Circular route through the Gorges de la Veroncle

From Gordes, today's walking route takes you through the spectacular Gorges de la Veroncle, characterised by its steep, jagged cliffs. After descending down to the bottom of the gorge, you return to the top and follow quiet footpaths and country roads, passing the Bois d'Audibert. Your final ascent leads you back to Gordes, where you will spend a second night.

You can expect today's 11.5 kilometre walk to take approximately four and a half hours.

Accommodation:

Le Mas des Romarins (or similar)

Grade:
Standard Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Return to Lagnes via the Mur de la Peste and Village des Bories

From the lively town of Gordes, your last day of walking takes you across the silent Plateau de Vaucluse, with its many 'bories' - drystone huts that were once agricultural outhouses. Later in the day, you will visit the 'Village des Bories' - an open air museum dedicated to these unusual buildings. The resounding song of cicadas will accompany you as you pass through the beautiful Gorges de la Senancole on your way to the Mur de la Peste. This 27 kilometre-long wall was built to stop the spread of the plague in the 18th century. Watchtowers stood along its length, to guard against the movement of people. Descending back to Lagnes via the T\'eate du Soldat, your final night's accommodation is back at the guesthouse which welcomed you at the beginning of your holiday.

You can expect today's almost 14 kilometre walk to take approximately four and a half hours.

Accommodation:

Le Mas due Grand Jonquier (or similar)

Grade:
Standard Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Trip ends in Lagnes

After breakfast, the organised part of your holiday comes to an end.

This holiday includes a private taxi transfer from your hotel near Lagnes to Cavaillon station (approximately 10 km).

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Country information

France

Climate

Across France, from April - August, weather conditions are generally warm and pleasant with moderate rainfall; Autumn temperatures are a bit lower and the winter months (though colder) remain mild. The summer months on the Mediterranean Coast in the south tend to be warmer than the rest of France and have less rainfall, and also more mild winters; freezing conditions are nearly unheard of. The mountainous areas of the Alps, Juros and Pyrenees can be quite different. During summer the morning and evening temperatures are considerably cooler and it becomes much colder in winter with heavy snowfall. Western France, along the English Channel, there can be very strong winds and frequent rain during the winter months Nov - Apr. Wine harvesting takes place in late August/early September.

Time difference to GMT

+1

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Catholic

Language

French

Budgeting and packing

Clothing

Take light and comfortable clothing that can be layered according to the temperature. Early and late in the season go prepared with clothing to suit drops in temperature and possible showers. Light rainwear may be needed at any time of year, and a warm fleece/jacket is recommended for cooler evenings and nights. Take a swimming costume as our hotels have pools.

Footwear

Walking boots or shoes and comfortable trainers and/or sandals for sightseeing and relaxing.

Luggage: On tour

You will need one main piece of baggage and a daypack sufficiently large to take everything needed for your walking day, such as your water bottle, snacks, spare clothing and camera. Your main luggage will be transferred to your next accommodation on days 2, 4 and 6. Please clearly mark all your belongings with your name and the name of the next accommodation and speak to your accommodation about where you need to leave it on the morning of your departure.

Luggage transfer

Included between each hotel

Equipment

Insect repellent, sunglasses, walking poles, sunscreen and a water bottle are all recommended.

Maps - Along with the destination manual and route notes you will be sent a set of maps that have been created specifically for this trip to help you navigate. The route is marked on each map together with a series of numbered waypoints which correspond with instructions in the route notes. Should you wish to purchase a more detailed commercially produced map we recommend the following:-

France

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.

Lunch price

£11

Dinner price

£16.00 - 18.00

Beer price

£4

Water price

£1.3

Foreign Exchange

Local currency

Euro

Recommended Currency For Exchange

Pounds Sterling and US Dollars can only be changed in larger airports with a Bureau de Change. Please change currency into Euros prior to arriving in France.

Where To Exchange

Bureau de Change can only be found in major cities and large airports. Many French banks no longer exchange Foreign currency.

ATM Availability

In cities and most major towns

Credit Card Acceptance

In major restaurants (make sure you have informed your credit card company that you are travelling abroad as some companies will reject payments)

Travellers Cheques

Travellers Cheques are no longer commonly accepted and can only be changed in larger airports with a Bureau de Change.

Transport, Accommodation & Meals

Recommended airport

Marseille

Flying to your destination

We recommend flights into and back from Marseille airport which is served by both budget (including Easyjet, Ryanair) and non-budget airlines (including British Airways) from multiple airports in the UK.

Arrival and departure information

For this trip you can fly into and back from Marseille airport.

From Marseille airport you can take a train to Cavaillon (55 km, 1 hour, every 1 hour, approximately 12€ one way). This holiday includes a private transfer from Cavaillon station to/from your hotel near Lagnes at the start and end of the holiday (approximately 10 km). Once your holiday is confirmed, Explore will ask for your flight details and approximate arrival time in Cavaillon so that a taxi can be provisionally booked for the Cavaillon/Lagnes transfer. You will need to reconfirm pick-up time once you are on board the train. Details of the taxi company will be provided in the Destination Manual. Use the same connections for the return trip.

See http://www.marseille-airport.com/access-car-parks/access/by-train-or-by-bus

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions

Visa and Passport Information

France: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, US, New Zealand, US or Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.

If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may consider applying through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.

Booking conditions

Transfers

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information.

Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will now receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.

Free transfers are not available for Self-Guided, Polar, Tailormade or Tours for Churches customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display a UK flight inclusive package guide price which is generally based on a London departure. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Maximum altitude (m)

661

France

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory. Tetanus recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Walking and Trekking information

Walking grade

Easy to moderate

Trek details

On this journey you walk 68 km over 6 days (an average of 11 km per day). Your route follows wide unsurfaced tracks and footpaths with the occasional section on surfaced tracks or tarmac roads. There is an average daily ascent/descent of 300-350 m.

Max walking altitude (m)

661

Additional Information

Dates, prices and booking

All holidays are subject to availability and prices are subject to change

All customers that travel on an Explore Group or Private Journey trip will be provided with a complimentary transfer, provided they arrive and depart into the designated airport or train station on the trip start and end dates. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule are customers who are booked on a trip where the joining and/or ending point is the airport or station. In this particular case there will be a specific time provided for when the trip starts and ends. On these particular trips, only one arrival and departure transfer will generally be provided for the whole group. Please see
free transfers for terms and conditions.

These trip joining details are provided on a provisional basis and may change prior to this tour departing. Any changes to these details will be updated on this page.
For those not eligible for a free transfer the joining / ending time and location for your trip are detailed below:

Joining Point

Town

Lagnes

Time and place

00:00 at Cavaillon Station

Ending Point

Town

Lagnes

Time

23:59

If you have booked a pre or post trip accommodation directly with the hotel, or through any other intermediaries, please ensure you regularly check this page in case of any changes.

All customers that travel on an Explore Group or Private Journey trip will be provided with a complimentary transfer, provided they arrive and depart into the designated airport or train station on the trip start and end dates. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule are customers who are booked on a trip where the joining and/or ending point is the airport or station. In this particular case there will be a specific time provided for when the trip starts and ends. On these particular trips, only one arrival and departure transfer will generally be provided for the whole group. Please see
free transfers for terms and conditions.

These trip joining details are provided on a provisional basis and may change prior to this tour departing. Any changes to these details will be updated on this page.
For those not eligible for a free transfer the joining / ending time and location for your trip are detailed below:

Joining Point

Town

Lagnes

Time and place

00:00 at Cavaillon Station

Ending Point

Town

Lagnes

Time

23:59

If you have booked a pre or post trip accommodation directly with the hotel, or through any other intermediaries, please ensure you regularly check this page in case of any changes.

All customers that travel on an Explore Group or Private Journey trip will be provided with a complimentary transfer, provided they arrive and depart into the designated airport or train station on the trip start and end dates. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule are customers who are booked on a trip where the joining and/or ending point is the airport or station. In this particular case there will be a specific time provided for when the trip starts and ends. On these particular trips, only one arrival and departure transfer will generally be provided for the whole group. Please see
free transfers for terms and conditions.

These trip joining details are provided on a provisional basis and may change prior to this tour departing. Any changes to these details will be updated on this page.
For those not eligible for a free transfer the joining / ending time and location for your trip are detailed below:

Joining Point

Town

Lagnes

Time and place

00:00 at Cavaillon Station

Ending Point

Town

Lagnes

Time

23:59

If you have booked a pre or post trip accommodation directly with the hotel, or through any other intermediaries, please ensure you regularly check this page in case of any changes.

All customers that travel on an Explore Group or Private Journey trip will be provided with a complimentary transfer, provided they arrive and depart into the designated airport or train station on the trip start and end dates. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule are customers who are booked on a trip where the joining and/or ending point is the airport or station. In this particular case there will be a specific time provided for when the trip starts and ends. On these particular trips, only one arrival and departure transfer will generally be provided for the whole group. Please see
free transfers for terms and conditions.

These trip joining details are provided on a provisional basis and may change prior to this tour departing. Any changes to these details will be updated on this page.
For those not eligible for a free transfer the joining / ending time and location for your trip are detailed below:

Joining Point

Town

Lagnes

Time and place

00:00 at Cavaillon Station

Ending Point

Town

Lagnes

Time

23:59

If you have booked a pre or post trip accommodation directly with the hotel, or through any other intermediaries, please ensure you regularly check this page in case of any changes.